Geospatial Technology FAQs

Do you have a question about this Indian Hills Program? Browse through the Program's
Frequently Asked Questions and you might just find the answer you're looking for!

Question:

Are there any restrictions for this program?

Answer:

Yes. Color blindness might pose a problem in mapping, and you should be able to walk
in different terrains for data collection. In addition, employers usually require
a clean driving record and a drug screen.

Question:

Are there Internships for this program?

Answer:

Yes, internships are required. They can be done at different locations, including
NRCS, county GIS departments, county conservation areas, ag industries, national parks,
city and county offices and for independent consultants. About one-quarter of them
have been paid internships, with the likelihood more will be paid in the future.

Question:

What is the prospective salary growth in this field?

Answer:

County GIS coordinators may make from $35,000 to $60,000. Large city and county GIS
coordinators may make $95,000 to over $125,000 (usually with 5 or more years of experience).
Private industry is highly competitive with salaries starting at $48,000 and ranging
over $70,000.

Question:

Where do students go to work?

Answer:

Students can find employment working at places like county and city GIS offices, the
NRCS, the Red Cross, Emergency Management agencies, ag/implement dealerships, and
utility companies.

Graduates have found these jobs in places such as Wapello County, Ottumwa, Monroe
County, El Paso, Texas, Davis County, and Bloomfield.

Some of the jobs may involve a certain amount of travel.

Question:

What skills are required for employment and then further promotion?

Answer:

Job candidates should possess good communication and presentation skills, a strong
work ethic, an ability to work with diverse customer and supervisory populations,
and excellent knowledge and analytical skills. A year or two of experience usually
provides the stepping stone to promotions.

Question:

What are some highlights of this program?

Answer:

Success stories include:

One graduate who worked as GIS Coordinator in Wapello County, and was hired after
about two years by a large city in Florida as GIS Coordinator.

A graduate who interned with a surveyor in Missouri and has now entered the bachelor/master’s
program in GIS at Northwest Missouri State.

A graduate who went on to get a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, and now
is the Emergency Manager in El Paso, Texas.

Another graduate who went back for a bachelor’s in Geography/Social Studies and is
in education in Wapello County.

A graduate interested in agriculture was hired by John Deere to work in sales, precision
ag, and repairs; they sent him to the John Deere training facility to teach him about
their specific GIS software and precision ag.

Another graduate is doing independent consulting, sometimes for city, county or conservation
entities, and other times as a contracted consultant with a private engineering firm.

Question:

What are possible technical certifications that can be gained in this program?

Answer:

Students in this program can work through a variety of tutorials to complete certificates
in many GIS-related skills.

Technical certifications may be received through Esri’s exam process, as well, with
the most appropriate certificate for students the ArcGIS Desktop Certification. This
exam costs approximately $225 to take and can be done at IHCC.

With some experience, users may also certify as an Associate, and finally as a Professional
in GIS.

Industry-recognized certifications include the GISP (Geographic Information Systems
Professional), certified through the GIS Certification Institute. This certification
includes components of educational achievement, professional experience, contributions
to the profession, and ethical behavior. The GISP certification is designed to recognize
expertise.

Question:

What are some of the different career pathways that this program prepares a student
for?

Answer:

An Associate’s Degree in Geospatial Technology can be applied in virtually any career
path – agriculture, conservation, environment, health care, transportation, education,
government, utilities, business, recreation, military, community planning, tourism,
marketing, journalism, and more. Geospatial technologies complement other knowledge
and skill sets useful for careers – and are helpful in managing and analyzing data,
and making informed decisions.

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Non-Discrimination Policy: It is the policy of Indian Hills Community College not to discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age (employment), sexual orientation,
gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential parental, family, or marital
status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa
Code §§216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C.
§§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX
(Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C §§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42
U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.). Read the full policy here.

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